Home > Animals > Reptiles > Lizards > Chameleons
MYTHOLOGY - OVID The titlepage of Ovids poem, Metamorphosis, turned into English
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from TopFoto
MYTHOLOGY - OVID The titlepage of Ovids poem, Metamorphosis, turned into English
MYTHOLOGY - OVID
The titlepage of Ovids poem, Metamorphosis, turned into English by George Sandys, 1627. Sandys did the greater part of his translation in America - and this work is said to be the first important piece of literature produced in North America. The mythological figures on this page play important roles in the stories of the transformations set out in Ovids wonderful poem (the Latin version of which, perhaps more than any other piece of classical literature, influenced the imagery of the French Seer, Michel Nostradamus). Reading from top left, Pluto, with Cereberus, the three-headed hell-hound, sits in the flames of Hades, representing the Element of Fire. Top right, Juno, with her avian attribute, the peacock, holds a chameleon in her hand: she represents the Element of Air (it was believed that chameleon ate only air). In between the two, Hercules rides his chariot, above the head of the poet himself (grasping the lyre of Apollo). In the bottom register (left) is Flora, clutching a cornucopia and accompanied by a bull - she represents the Element of Earth. Bottom right, Neptune, with his trident, rides a sea-creature, representing the element Water. On either side of the title window, the naked woman is Venus, while the woman in armour, and with the Gorgon shield is Athena, the goddess of War and Wisdom
TopFoto independent historic photographs and images all subjects and eras
Media ID 10976114
© 2003 Charles Walker / Topfoto
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Animals
> Reptiles
> Lizards
> Chameleons
> Arts
> Literature
> North America
> Related Images
> Popular Themes
> Poets
> TopFoto
> Man, Myth and Magic
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the title page of George Sandys' English translation of Ovid's poem, Metamorphosis, published in 1627. Considered to be the first significant literary work produced in North America, this translation holds great historical and cultural importance. The mythological figures depicted on this page play crucial roles in the stories of transformation narrated by Ovid. Starting from the top left corner, we see Pluto surrounded by flames as he sits alongside Cerberus, the three-headed hell-hound, symbolizing the Element of Fire. On the top right side stands Juno holding a chameleon in her hand while accompanied by her avian attribute, the peacock. She represents the Element of Air since it was believed that chameleons solely consumed air. Between these two figures rides Hercules on his chariot above Ovid himself who grasps Apollo's lyre. In the bottom left register appears Flora clutching a cornucopia and accompanied by a bull representing Earth as an element. Bottom right portrays Neptune riding a sea-creature with his trident symbolizing Water. Additionally, Venus is depicted on either side of the title window as a naked woman while Athena stands proudly wearing armor and holding her Gorgon shield as she represents both War and Wisdom. This remarkable print captures not only artistic beauty but also highlights how classical literature influenced various aspects of culture throughout history.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
